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Solar panels are an increasingly familiar sight on rooftops. Solar is a clean, renewable form of energy that is also sustainable and can save you a significant amount in utility expenses. A solar panel converts solar energy to electricity for residential, commercial or industrial use. Solar energy is harnessed using a panel or array of photovoltaic cells and converted to direct current.
Learning about the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy can help you make an informed decision about whether it is right for your home or establishment.
Pros:
The biggest draw of solar energy is that it reduces your utility bills. Net metering is a system that has been mandated by several states. If you have a hybrid system that uses traditional electricity via a utility company, combined with solar panels that you have installed, you can sell any excess electricity that is produced back to the grid. Tax incentives are also provided by the government, which could allow you to claim up to 30% of the solar panel installation cost, in addition to performance-based incentives as well.
An equally important advantage is the fact that solar is environmentally-friendly. It is a renewable resource, as there is a continuous supply that will not run out with heavy usage. It is sustainable since it will always exist and will not get depleted. It is a clean source of energy since no by-products are emitted during its conversion to electricity. In the long run, solar can provide energy independence from fossil fuels that can be sourced only from certain geographic locations.
Long-term maintenance and durability are also notable advantages of solar energy. Their operating costs are also low. According to Unbound Solar, “Solar systems don’t have a lot of moving parts. As a result, they rarely break down or require maintenance to keep them running optimally.” Since they are installed locally (on a rooftop or on the premises of the building they will power), they are easy to install and easy to access for repairs.
Cons:
Solar panel installation costs are usually high. Depending on your energy needs and your state in which you are located, you might have to spend $10,000 to $20,000 on installation. But the good news is that the incentives and tax credits that follow will help you recoup the cost in a relatively short time, providing a good return on your investment.
Solar is an intermittent energy source. Access to sufficient solar energy to fulfill your needs greatly depends upon the weather and geographic location. Cloud cover, seasonal changes and the location of the sun all play a role. But, do solar panels work at night? Well, a backup battery can store energy produced during sunlight hours so that it can be used at night.
Spatial constraints can make solar installation a challenge in some cases. The amount of energy that is produced significantly depends on the amount of surface area that the sun shines on. This means that more panels will be required to produce more energy and the required uninterrupted space should be available on your rooftop or yard.
Despite the challenges posed by adopting solar as a source of energy, the benefits outweigh the limitations. A solar power company such as Unbound Solar can guide you and provide you with all the services you require to power your home or building with solar energy.
